When will Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi be released from Jail?

Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the party’s Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi have been acquitted by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the cipher case.

Previously sentenced to 10 years each for leaking state secrets and misusing a diplomatic classified document, the acquittal in the cipher case doesn’t guarantee immediate release for Khan and Qureshi. Both remain imprisoned for other charges.

Khan, ousted from his position as prime minister in April 2022 via a contentious no-confidence vote, faces a slew of charges, including corruption and terrorism. He has been incarcerated since August last year, stemming from the Toshakhana case and convictions in the cipher and illegal marriage cases. Despite some legal relief, Khan’s imprisonment persists due to his conviction in the illegal marriage case.

Qureshi, former foreign minister during PTI’s term from 2018-2022, is entangled in eight charges related to incidents on May 9 and remains detained in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed optimism for Imran Khan’s imminent release, deeming the acquittal a triumph. Lawyer Ali Zafar hinted at possible acquittals in other cases against Khan.

While hailed as a significant legal and political victory, political analysts cautioned against premature expectations of Khan’s release, citing pending charges, including inciting violence.